71985-15A FAMILY-RUN care firm has come to the rescue of a teenager left without a carer after a horror smash.

Yesterday we said Wiltshire County Council's Social Services had refused to assign 16-year-old Christopher Pratley a carer.

Now after reading of the lad's struggle, Stephen Trowbridge, who runs The Care Company just a stone's throw from the Evening Advertiser offices in Victoria Road, has offered a lifeline.

Christopher's stepfather, Philip Large, 43, says Christopher is lucky to be alive after the motorbike accident a fortnight ago in Cricklade, which left him with a broken leg, broken arm and heavy bruising.

Although doctors have said that he will make a full recovery, he will need to use a wheelchair for two months.

Christopher normally lives with his dad, Mike, in Bradenstoke, but he has been unable to return because their mobile home is not suitable for a wheelchair.

So, for the time being, he is staying with his mother, Liz Pratley, and her partner at their home in Parson's Way, Wootton Bassett.

But, as reported, both fear that if Christopher has a fall while they are at work, nobody will be there to lend assistance.

They claim that they haven't even been given a contact number to call in an emergency.

Mr Trowbridge, whose parents Keith and Mary run Ashgrove House nursing home in Purton, has promised to do all he can to help the family.

He said: "I know just how distressing and frustrating it can be for someone who has had an accident. All your independence goes.

"A friend of mine was left paralysed after he fell out of an upstairs window."

Mr Trowbridge will arrange for one his carers to pop by on their round and check on the teenager.

Christopher will also be given a number to call if he has a fall.

Mr Trowbridge added: "When I read the story in the Adver I felt really sorry for Christopher and his parents. I just want to offer my support to them at this difficult time."

Mrs Pratley said: "This is a really nice offer and we're ever so grateful to Stephen for doing this.

"At the moment it's the unknown factor that is worrying us. If my husband is out and Christopher has a fall there would be little I could do except dial for an ambulance.

"We might not need any help, but it's reassuring to know what we can pick up the phone if we do."

Kevin Shoesmith